Mall Spokesman: Guard ‘In Her Right’ Over Fight

May 14, 2013

Ohio Valley Mall spokesman Joe Bell said the security guard who scuffled with another female last week was "in her right" to defend herself against the woman.

"The security guard was doing her job. She was in a large crowd of people taking pictures and tried to disperse them," said Bell. "For whatever reason, the situation escalated."

Following a traffic accident that saw a tractor-trailer crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the mall Thursday, a group of onlookers gathered to view the scene. The security guard arrived to let the crowd know they did not have permission to take photos while standing on mall property.

Article Photos

Photo by Casey JunkinsA female Ohio Valley Mall security guard fights with a female spectator at the scene of a traffic accident near the mall Thursday.

Shortly thereafter, an argument between the security guard and one of the female onlookers ensued. It turned physical, with the women grabbing one another. The security guard found herself in a headlock for a period of time before bystanders helped breakup the brawl.

Bell said Monday that he did not believe either woman reported any injuries, noting he was still waiting to hear from the Belmont County Sheriff's Department about possible charges in the matter.

Calls to the sheriff's department regarding the matter were not returned.